On Sunday night my family took the red eye to Boston. When we arrived at our hotel around 7 am on Monday morning, they were just beginning to set up for the 2013 Boston Marathon.
We decided to go to Boston for Spring break a few weeks prior. I found a sweet deal on some last minute tickets, bought them on the spot and told myself I’d figure out the details of our trip later. {My husband was born just outside of Boston and was looking forward to going back. The kids and I had never been.}
About a week after I booked the airline tickets, I starting looking for a place to stay and found out the Boston Marathon would be happening the very same morning we were set to arrive. The hotel I booked was 1 block from the finish line.
The Girl and I were super excited and talked about watching the marathon daily until we left for our trip.
Once we arrived we all took a quick 1 hour nap, then the boys headed off on foot to the Boston Red Sox game and The Girl and I went down to the street to watch the finishers.
I sent my friend Amberlina the above picture from the 100 meter line and sent her a quick text telling her how cool it was to be there.
The Girl and I watched the Women and Men’s Elite runners finish.
Being there, hearing the crowd cheer, was amazing. Simply amazing.
The one thing that sticks in my mind is how happy my daughter looked, and how I said to her “Isn’t this awesome? We could just stand here for hours and cheer them on.”
She agreed.
But we didn’t stay for hours. We left around the 3 hour mark.
We later found out we were standing right across the street from where the second bomb went off.
Instead of staying to watch the rest of the race, we ate lunch at Faneuil Hall and then walked to Paul Revere’s House.
Somewhere along the way we found the Freedom Trail and we were standing in the Old North Church when I got a call from the Handsome Husband at 3:03 pm.
We were in a church so I silenced the call and did not answer.
He called back.
Handsome Husband : WHERE ARE YOU.
Mavis: The Old North Church.
Handsome Husband: WHAT?
The line went dead.
He called back 2 more times before the call went though.
My husband and son were walking back from the Red Sox game and stopped at the finish line to watch the marathon. The sidewalk was packed with spectators and finishers so they stepped into a department store to take a shortcut back to our hotel.
And that’s when they heard the bombs go off.
They didn’t realize what had happened until they were back in our hotel room and looked outside the window and that’s when they called.
It took The Girl and I about 3 hours before we could make it back to them. The streets were blocked off and the area was in lock down.
Everyone had a dazed look in their eyes and was silent. We were surrounded by the Police, FBI, ATF, SWAT and National Guard. It was like we had just stepped on to a movie set.
It was surreal. We weren’t scared because we were surround by armored vehicles and officers. Oddly enough we felt safe.
I’m not sure if it has really sunk in yet, but it really makes you stop and think about how fragile life is and what matters the most.
Make your life count. Be happy. Do something you love. Don’t live your life in fear. Tell the people you love, that you LOVE THEM.
Be grateful for everyday you wake up with air in your lungs, because you never know, when it could be your last.
~Mavis
J Morse says
Thank you for sharing your experience! It was beautifully written. I just recently stumbled onto your sight but find myself reading your posts every day now. Now that I’ve gotten to know you, in the virtual sense anyway, this post caught me by surprise. My reaction was one of “whoa, what? Wait…she was there? Oh wow!” I’m so glad you and your family are safe and sound. My days certainly wouldn’t be the same without a Mavis post. Thanks again for sharing! God bless.
Heather Bensel says
My goodness. Thank you for sharing your experiences. You were incredibly lucky.
Melissa says
How scary! This post just reminds me how much things that happen are a matter of chance. At multiple times you and your family could have been in danger except for decisions you made along the way without a second thought. So glad you all are safe!
Jules says
Wow! So glad you all made it home safely!
Angela says
WOW! That is an amazing story – a frightening story and a blessed story in that you and your family are all safe despite being so close to these terrible events. I imagine all of you are in shock even yet, but you are so lucky to be safe and together. Take care!
Jane says
Wow, We just never know what our day is going to hold, do we? I’m so glad you and your family are ok.
Annette says
Oh, Mavis, Sooo happy to know you and yours are fe and sound.
Desi from Idaho zone 5 says
Wow, so glad your family is safe. How blessed you are to have been some where else and not watching the race.
Peggy Stenglein says
Thank God you and your family were safe, and praying for those who weren’t. 🙁
Kim says
Wow, I just finished looking at a picture of one of the bombers walking past the angled wall of the brick building after the explosion. Thank heavens, you and yours are safe.
Tasha K. says
I saw that same picture!!! As I was looking at it I thought, that’s the building in Mavis’ pictures! So glad to hear you and your family are safe!
Ashley says
Omg, so glad your family is safe. That must have been very eerie to learn that you were so close to where the bombings went off.
Maia says
Wow, how scary. So glad that you and your family are safe.
Erika says
What a close call! So glad to know that you’re all safe. I love how you ended your post. Husband and I are taking the kids camping this weekend with a big group of friends. Glad to have a break from the news and to know the most we’ll have to worry about over the weekend might be a bear coming into camp looking for food (but probably not even that since we’re going with a big group). It’ll be good to spend time with family and friends.
Hullabaloo Homestead says
Amazing how we are led to be where we are at all times. I feel like all of the crazy things happening are trying to tell us exactly what you wrote, “Make your life count. Be happy. Do something you love. Don’t live your life in fear. Tell the people you love, that you LOVE THEM.” Glad you were led to safety during the bombings. It is time to live each day with gratitude for all that we have in our lives.
:)Lisa
Destini says
How scary, so happy the decisions you made kept you safe 🙂
Linda M says
Praise God that you all are safe! Each day is definitely a gift to be treasured and lived to the fullest. Sending hugs your way!
Julie's Rants says
It’s surreal isn’t it? We stopped in West, Texas on our way home Wednesday evening. We got back on the road 10 minutes before their explosion. Glad to hear you’re all ok.
Tina P says
Goodness……so so glad all of you are safe and sound and together! Thank you for sharing and reminding us all how much every little decision we make counts so much more than we may ever realize. To live with a purpose, love unconditionally, and never allow anyone or anything to cause us to live in fear. May God continue to bless you and your family and all those effected by this tragedy.
Angela says
So glad you and your family are safe! Don’t know what I would do with out your posts!
Donna says
Amen! You are so right!
Mary Ann says
So glad you are safe. You and your family definitely had guardian angels guiding you!
Pat Gaston says
So glad ya’ll were not hurt and made it home ! All of the sad situations happening all around us should make us think about what is life about. Loving people and doing good for others! ….I have a question …awhile back you posted a site where you could get Cheese making kits…I purchased one …haven’t gotten it yet and was wondering if you remember the site…I’ve looked and can’t come up with it. It’s paid for so would like to see where it is. Thanks, and glad ya’ll are safe!
Heidi says
You might check your credit card statement. It should have the company name and possibly the web address.
Village Brat says
I am so glad you and your family did not experience any of the REAL trauma of that day…being there and that close was enough, believe me.
As someone who was in and around 9/11, the anthrax, sniper shootings, etc. you are right on the button with realizing the fragility of life and letting those around you how you feel.
Watching our words, realizing that anything can happen at any time to take those we love and care about away from us is so important.
Hope the trip was good overall and not something to ever stop you from doing such things again!!
Maggie says
Glad that you and your family are safe. What a scary thing to go through.
Carlie says
My husband ran Boston a few years back. His friend decided he wanted to try to beat his time this year. Luckily he did and was already on his was home when everything happened. I can’t believe you guys were there. You last few sentences are precious… I feel like I and some of my friends are coasting through life and talking about a lot of negative things in our life instead of doing something about them. I believe in Christ, and I live by the law of love, and I think your thoughts at the end are such truth… Be happy, do something you love, show love, don’t live in fear, be grateful. Glad yall are safe! And your site is a big inspiration and encouragement!
Kimberly Hunt says
You made me cry. I am so greatful that you and your family are safe.
Leanna says
Me too!!!
Delores says
Wow! glad you all are safe and home!
Donna says
Your story is so well written it made me cry. Glad you and yours are safe.
Beth says
I echo what others have said before me- I am so glad you and your family are safe! You are so right- we never know what the future holds for us- count your blessings daily for sure!
Thank you for sharing your story- enjoy your weekend!
Sophia says
Oh Mavis!
God Bless you all….and thank Heaven you all “walked away” when you did.
My family is from Boston, too.
God Bless Boston.
-Sophia
Carole Browne says
I am so glad that you and your family are safe. Your guardian angel must have been working overtime that day getting you to leave when you did.
anna says
I am so thankful you are ok! and everyone else is! believe me, here in conn., we are very close too where boston is! be safe!
Sherry says
So glad you and your family are safe, and thankful that there are people like you who are putting good things out into the world.
Kim says
What a surreal experience! Boston is my all-time favorite city and I have spend a fair amount of time each year visiting over the last couple of decades. We stay at either the Copley Westin or Copley Marriott — so it sounds like you are staying right near there too.
A friend of mine was at the marathon this year supporting her husband that was running. Thankfully, he finished the marathon about 1 1/2 hours before the bombing because that is where she and her three young children were wathcing from.
Jimmy’s Harborside has terrific seafood and chowder and Little Italy has some wonderful restaurants too.
Enjoy your visit!
Tracey Johns says
Glad to hear you are all safe. Wow.
Cee says
I’m so glad you are safe and my prayers go out to everyone in Boston.
Holly H. says
That just brought instant tears to my eyes and chills. You are absolutely right, we just never know. I’m happy for your family a safe return home.
Amanda says
Wow!!! I’ve been reading your post everyday for the last year (got me through several weeks of bed rest and then recovery after an early delivery). You have really become just like one of the neighbors to me, and I’m so very glad that the Universe stepped in and had “other” plans for you and your family. Life is much to short and you are a daily blessing to so many. May the days and weeks ahead provide healing from trauma and fear that you and your family surely experienced. Thank you for making the world a little more beautiful everyday with your garden.
Cindi Myers says
I’m so glad you and your family are safe.
Eileen says
Mavis, I am so glad that you and your family are ok! What an experience!
Debbie says
As a new fan of your blog, I feel like you are a new friend to me. And whether you believe it or not, your Heavenly Father has great plans for your family and protected you for a reason, to have a relationship with Him!
Monica Brown says
Truly Amazing…
Tina says
Wow, so glad you are safe! My grandma (who is 96) just moved to Boston last month to be near another grandchild. It’s all so scary 🙁
Heidi says
My heart skipped a beat looking at your photos wondering if the people on the other side were impacted by the blasts. So glad you moved on before having to watch and experience what was about to happen. I’m grateful you and your family are okay.
Romie says
Thank goodness you are your family are safe!!! and thank you for the daily posts!! I would miss your site, your garden beds and the chickens tooo much, and your smart comments, so stay safe!!!
Lisa says
Wow! I can’t believe your family was there as the finish line prior to the bombings. Thank God the angels were looking after you and kept you all safe.
Kathy Gervasio says
Very glad you are safe. It is amazing how things work out. A moment can change life forever.
Susan Baker says
Oh Mavis, Tears flowing, so so very truly sorry for you and your family to experience 1st hand this terrible tragedy of horribleness. We are so grateful you and your family are ok, but prayers are still needed for this beautiful American City. Prayers for your safety home as well. I agree that we do take for granted the air in our lungs and waking up every single day. We are blessed with each day we are given. LOVE and forgive. Hoping your beautiful back-yard garden will give you the therapy to heal from this tragic experience. Return safely.
julie says
Just reading your story made my heart pound.
Sherry in Sumner says
Incredible story, Mavis. What are the odds on this happening on your first trip to Boston? So glad you’re okay.
Susan says
Your post made me tear up, too!
So glad you and your family are safe. Hopefully your next trip to Boston will be a better one.
LindaSue says
Safe travels. I am glad you are all ok.
Roxie Moreland says
No luck to it! The Good Lord had his hand on you and your family. So glad you escaped without injury.
Cellar Door says
Wow! Cherish your life. 🙂
MaMaLaLa says
Glad you all are okay. How very scary and yet how blessed you are to be here to tell your side. Hang in there Mavis and fam.
Jo says
Wow Mavis your so lucky your whole family is or sure someone was watching you guys that day so amazing! I am so happy for you and all of us our days are a little brighter with your emails and blog take care count your blessings.
carol says
Thank goodness you and your family are O.K.! What a good antidote for you all to go camping with friends this weekend. I hope that there are no lingering complications from the experience for you and your husband or your kids. Being outside in the garden is always good therapy.
Jamie says
Oh, wow, Mavis! I am so so glad to hear that you and your family are safe!!!
Preppy Pink Crocodile says
Wow! I have chills. I just can’t imagine what it was like to be there and to have been where you were standing during the race. The “what ifs” are endless. I’m so relieved to know your family is safe and together!
KK
Heather m says
Wow, and to think I was harassing you about that ebook that I won. I had no idea what you were going through that day. I am thankful that your family is safe. I bet you and your HH were relieved that he went along on this trip.
Mavis says
You weren’t harassing me, sometimes it just takes longer than 24 hours to get back to peeps because of the amount of email I receive each day. No worries Heather. I’m glad you got your ebook and I hope you really enjoy it. Jane’s recipes are awesome.
Alison says
Oh Mavis!
So happy/releaved to know that you and your family are safe and sound! Glad your Angels were looking out for you guys that day!!
Helen in Meridian says
Oh, wow. I missed a couple of days and when I saw you were at Nathanial Hawthorne home, I thought, my gosh she must have gone to Boston area to check out the colleges etc. I went searching back, and there you were. I am glad that you are safe, and that you had all 4 of you to hug after the tragedy. It was smart to head out of town after that trauma. I am so glad that God was watching over all of you, and that you had your inlaws nearby to hug during this time. You mean so much to all of us. With Love.
Ursula says
Just catching up on your posts, and my jaw is dropped after reading this~
WoW!
I’m so glad that your family is safe, my heart & prayers go out to the families that suffered losses on that day.
Kelly says
1. Thank You.
2. I’m reading this because a friend emailed me the link. The fact that I’m reading it today is significant to me, because I’d been going back and forth in my mind all weekend about whether to stay on my current path (which is my dream path), or to revert back to a previous path because it would be more acceptable to society, my family, or whoever. I feel I was meant to read these words from your blog today: “Make your life count. Be happy. Do something you love. Don’t live your life in fear.” I’d already made my decision regarding my dilemma, but it was like getting a little boost, a little dose of confirmation that I’d done what was right *for me*. It also seems to me that you are so in tune with who you are, with purpose (as evidenced by the whole thrust of your blog, not just this post), with authenticity, that I’m not surprised that you and your family were led to make the right decisions to lead you through that to safety, whether conscious at the time or not.
Thank you again for sharing.
Mavis says
Kelly, you have to make yourself happy. 🙂 Be yourself and be brave.
Maggie says
Amen.
Heather says
Your post made that knot in my throat tighten up and tears spring to my eyes…happy to know you are all okay. We were with distant family this weekend and I know that I hugged a little longer and cherished the events and time with them a little more after the news of the bombings. I lived in NE when I was younger and Boston is one of my favorite places too.
Leslie says
Found this post from a link in today’s post. I started reading your blog a year or so after this event. This post gave me goose bumps.